Course Descriptions

American Indian Perspectives

HUM223

Perspective of Native Americans who draw from their own traditions to reflect upon the institutions and mores of Western Society as well as the ways in which it has been both in conflict with and shaped by Native American culture. Also examined are elements of Native American cultures that have endured and which may offer guidance on current social issues and problems. 3 Credits (3 Lecture)
(Cultural Diversity) Fall Only.

Fairy Tales and Fables

HUM225

Study of storytelling and of stories as core binding elements in the social fabric of one's culture. Discussion includes a cross-cultural and historical examination of selected stories that present both similar and divergent themes. Emphasis on the constructions and mechanisms found in the stories as well as the social, cultural, political, and aesthetic values which they perpetuate and transmit. The impact of the stories upon ethnocentrism and gender role expectations is discussed. Contemporary adaptations of ancient and classical stories are also discussed. 3 Credits (3 Lecture)
Prerequisite(s): ENL111. (Cultural Diversity) Fall Only.

Science and Religion: A Cultural Perspective

HUM230

Innovative and objective review of the relationships between science and religion within a cultural and historical context. Discussion provides a background for the better understanding of the conflicts and concordances between the sciences and many religions. 3 Credits (3 Lecture)
Prerequisite(s): ENL111. (Cultural Diversity)

Scientific Literature: Historical and Social Contexts

HUM301

Survey of 7,000 years of technical and scientific literature in Western culture, concentrating on excerpts from classic, revolutionary works by major Western philosophers and scientists. Exploration and analysis include the process of technological and scientific revolutions at key points in Western culture; the social conditions that contributed to and resulted from major scientific and technical advances; and the application of those insights to practical situations that students face in their technical areas. 3 Credits (3 Lecture)
Prerequisite(s): ENL121 or ENL201. (Science, Technology and Society, Writing Enriched) Fall Only.

The Holocaust

HUM315

Analysis of the Holocaust--the systematic annihilation by the Nazis of nearly six million Jews as well as Roma and Sinti peoples (gypsies)--from the perspective of its victims, persecutors, and bystanders. Victims' accounts contribute to the exploration of the ghettoes, the concentration camps, and the death camps. The intention is to glean an understanding (however imperfect and incomplete) of what it was like to be in a situation where the individual's purpose was to die, soon or late, easy or hard, but to die. Exploration includes a look at the Holocaust from the perspective of the killers, who were in some sense "ordinary men." Finally, the perspectives of bystanders and "righteous gentiles" are considered. Documentaries such as Shoah, Night and Fog, and The Last Days are incorporated, as are major motion pictures such as Schindler's List and The Pianist. Also incorporated are taped interviews with survivors such as Anita Lasker-Wallfisch and music such as Henryk Gorecki's Symphony No. 3 ("Sorrowful Songs"). Students are required to record their thoughts and reflections on the Holocaust in a written journal. 3 Credits (3 Lecture)
Prerequisite(s): ENL121 or ENL201. (Cultural Diversity, Writing Enriched)

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